Three Offices

The Three Offices is a collective name for three offices that functions as major organ of press and provides checks and balance on the king and the officials. In their role as organ of press, they don't have actual authority to decide or implement policies, but has influential voice in the ensuing debate. The officials who serves in these offices tends to be younger and of lower rank compared to other offices but has strong academic reputation and enjoys special privileges and great prestige (For instance, censors are permitted to drink during working hours because of their function of criticizing the king). To be appointed, they go through more thorough review of character and family background. Three Offices provides the fastest route of promotion to high posts and is almost a requirement to becoming a Councillor.
 * Office of Inspector General - It monitors government administration and officials at each level in both central and local governments for corruption, malfeasance, or inefficiency. It is also in charge of advancing public morals and Confucian customs and redressing grievances of the populace. It is headed by the Inspector General, a position of 2nd junior rank, who oversees 30 largely independent officials.
 * Office of Censors - Its chief function is to remonstrate with the king if there is wrong or improper action or policy. Important decrees of the king are first reviewed by censors, who could ask to withdraw them if judged improper. It also issues opinions about the general state of affairs. It is composed of five officials, led by the Chief Censor, of 3rd senior rank.

While the primary focus for Office of Inspector General is the government officials and Office of Censors is focused on the king, two offices often performs each other's functions, and there is much overlap. Together they are called "Gāi gōngsī," (該公司) which literally means "Both Offices," and often works jointly.


 * Office of Special Advisors - It oversees the royal library and serves as research institute to study Confucian philosophy and answer the king's questions. Its officials takes part in the daily lessons called Jìngzhēng (競爭), in which they discuss history and Confucian philosophy with the king. It is headed by Chief Scholar, a part-time post of 2nd senior rank that serves concurrently in another high post (such as in State Council), and Deputy Chief Scholar, a full-time post of 3rd senior rank that actually runs the office. There is great prestige attached to being Chief Scholar in this deeply Confucian society.